Jack Brown

Jack Richard Brown

Peacefully on Monday, December 21, 2015, Jack Brown passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 79 years.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Ida Mae nee Vivier, his son John (Chick) Henry Brown, his parents Viola McDougall and Neil Brown, his parents in law Mary Elsie Vivier and Joeseph Vivier, brother Larry Brown, sister Joy Mae Dueck and Pat Lynch, sister-in-law Mary Josephine McDonald, brothers-in-law Burt Dueck, Henry Vivier, Hayward McDonald, Ron Armishaw, Gary Barrault, and nephews Barth McDonald, Keith Armishaw, and Walter Vandyke.

Jack is survived by his loving children Elizabeth (Mike) King, Rose-Marie Garnham, Beverly (Bill) Carlson, Craig (Pam) Brown and Kim (Don) Chipman, all of Portage, as well as his grandchildren Alex, Mitchell, Stacy (Keith), Travis, Troy, Aaron, Jonah, Lisa, Lucas, Justyn, Jaxson, Angie (Scott) and Kaliegh (Paul); great grandchildren Kylie, Ayden, Oscar and Maxwell;  2 sisters Marlene (Jim) Barrault of Edmonton Alberta, and Joan (Jack) Maloney of Abottsford British Columbia;  4 sisters-in-law; Rose (John) Vandyke, Julie Armishaw, Ann Barrault (Bob Burke) and Sheila (John) Harrison; brothers –in-law Gerald Vivier and Clifford (Tammy) Vivier; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Dad was born on October 21, 1936 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Son of the late Viola McDougall and Neil Brown. Dad grew up in the north east end of Portage la Prairie. At a young age his father went overseas to defend his country in WW2 and his mother Viola was left to raise a large family.  Dad was faced with many difficulties as a young man including the death of both parents within 24 hours of each other. At that time the family was so young and so large that Jack and his siblings were split-up to be raised by others. Dad spoke matter-of-factly about his childhood after the death of his parents, never resentful of the hand he was dealt.  His tone always softened when he spoke of his mother and his siblings and he often recounted how his older sisters’ took the best care they could of him and his brother Larry.  In later years, Dad took several trips out west to spend time with his brother and sisters. It was a trip he looked forward to each year.

On June 29, 1957 Dad married his childhood sweetheart Ida Mae Vivier.  They were married for close to 54 years before Ida was called to her eternal home.  Throughout these years they opened their home not only to their own children but to other’s children as well.

In his early years Dad worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway, once his family started to grow he left this career for a job closer to home to work at the Manitoba Developmental Centre (Manitoba School).  Jack worked as a laundry service worker and his role grew as the laundry service expanded.  He had to take many courses to keep on top of the products/chemicals that were used and would bring home note-books of formulas to study.  Dad made many friends during his years at the MDC, as he was the best employee/co-worker that anyone could ask for.  He was a hardworking man, always willing to lend a hand to others and take on extra duties without a complaint.  Dad retired from the MDC in 1998.

Dad enjoyed all sports. He was passionate about the home teams; Portage Terriers, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and the Winnipeg Jets. He enjoyed his time as one of the Terrier goal judges and was honored to receive a signed Terrier jersey for this role. For many years he had season tickets to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and was even lucky to receive a Bomber jersey right off the back of Troy Westwood.

After Mom’s death in 2011 we were worried how Dad would cope as we knew his heart was broken.  We all took turns ensuring that Dad had company and a home cooked meal.  Mom was an awesome cook and we had to live up to Dad’s expectation where meals were concerned.  Many meals and celebrations were held in our homes with Dad always talking about Mom (always referring to her as his sweetie) and comparing what we had prepared to how she would have made things.  Not one of us came close to making pies or gravy like Mom, and Dad was sure to let us know!

In 1993 Jack opened his heart to his Savior. From this point on he devoted his life to his Lord and to doing the Lord’s work.  He joined the Soldiers of the Salvation Army and volunteered in every faucet in this organization.  Any Salvation Army event was attended by Jack and his dear friend and fellow soldier Betty Sproat. Over the 22 years with the Salvation Army, Jack welcomed many “Captains” to the Portage area; making numerous friendships along the way.  The corps always had tasks to complete; every day of the week something needed attending to and Christmas time was the busiest time of the year.  Jack worked tirelessly to ensure that many families could enjoy Christmas dinner.  This Christmas was no different and Jack proudly stated that over 600 Christmas hampers were distributed.

As Christmas grew closer for his own family he spent time with each and every one of us. On December 21st he became ill and was admitted to the Portage Hospital. It was here that his Lord called him home.

A funeral service will take place on Monday, December 28, 2015 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Hillside Memorial Park.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to  the Salvation Army, Box 476, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3B7, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7.